A study in the chemical degradation/stability of cannabinoids in cannabis materials

This fully funded study with the FORRI institute at LJMU aims to assess impact of a range of conditions on the degradation of THC and additional cannabinoids’ stability in cannabis materials. Materials will undergo detailed chemical analysis using numerous analytical techniques already available within the school of: GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, Raman and FT-IR to name a few. This will provide applicable evidence for criminal cases to differentiate between intent-to-supply and possession, based on the weight in question and frequency of use.  Information generated from this study will be invaluable to forensic and law enforcement agencies, public health and drug awareness agencies. The student will be based in Byrom Street campus in Liverpool under the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.

Supervisors:

• Supervisor 1: Dr. Jason Birkett
• Supervisor 2: Dr. Sulaf Assi
• Supervisor 3: Mr. David Lamont
• PARTNER: Merseyside Police (Drugs Unit).

Subject Areas: Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Drug Analysis

Application Deadline: 1^st October 2024

Applicants should hold at least a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject (with a significant chemistry component) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please email Dr. Jason Birkett for more information j.w.birkett@ljmu.ac.uk. Applicants should email a CV, covering letter detailing their suitability for the project and contact details of two referees to: FORRI@ljmu.ac.uk

Applicants must be available for an online interview on 23^rd Oct 2024.